[Patrick Tang using abacus while Lieutenant James E. Stewart operates automatic alphabetical tabulator]

Details

Identifier1991-07-17-A_image_014Parts1991-07-17-A_image_014_011991-07-17-A_image_014_021991-07-17-A_image_014_03SourceThe William Orthman World War II Collection (1991-07-17-A), Box 1, Folder 2CreatorUnited States. Army Air ForcesDescriptionPhotograph of civilian employee Patrick Tang (seated at desk) using an abacus while Lieutenant James E. Stewart, U.S. Army Air Forces, operates an automatic alphabetical tabulator, Shanghai, China, circa 1940s.

Inscription on verso: "Patrick Tang, civilian employee of AAF Statistical Unit, prefers the ancient abacus to modern adding machine. [Chinese characters]."

Typed on verso of duplicate photo: "Headquarters Army Air Forces, Shanghai: -- Mr. Patrick Tang, civilian accountant hired by the machine records section, 24th Statistical Control Unit of Lt. General George E. Stratemeyer's Army Air Forces, China Theater, was furnished an adding machine on which to compile his figures for the daily personnel strength report. He tried it for two days. On the third day, it was discovered that he had disconnected the adding machine and had reverted to the type of calculating machine with which he was most familiar, a Chinese abacus of the type his ancestors had used for more than four thousand years. In the background, Lt. James E. Stewart of Buffalo, New York, starts an automatic alphabetical tabulator for the last machine-run roster of China-based personnel before closing the machine records section. The return of army personnel to the United States has reduced the number still in China below the point where business machines can be economically used. (Official USAAF Photo)."

Inscription on verso: "28 Jan. 1946."Creation Datecirca 1940sSubjectUnited States. Army Air ForcesWorld War, 1939-1945United States. Army Air Forces. Statistical Control Unit, 24thSoldiersStewart, James E.Tang, PatrickPlaceShanghai (China)ChinaOriginal Formatphotographic printsBibliographic CitationThe William Orthman World War II Collection/The Museum of FlightRightsNo copyright - United States

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CollectionWilliam Orthman World War II CollectionCollection AreaArchives

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